2014 Ultimate Adventure - The Final 12 Applicants

Each year, we put out a call-to-action for all off-roaders who deem themselves and their rigs fit for the task of a full week of 4-wheeling, covering multiple states and thousands of grueling miles. If you think you meet the requirements and are up for the task of wheeling through some of the most incredible trails in the country, we want you to apply to take part in a once in a lifetime adventure, the Ultimate Adventure! Ever since the beginning of Ultimate Adventure we have gotten hundreds of applications from hopeful readers eager to join the elite ranks of those who have gone before.

We present to you, our online fans, a view inside the decision making for who is to join us on our 2014 Ultimate Adventure. The deadline to enter has passed and we have narrowed down our selection to these 12 applicants. Who exactly is going on UA14? We can't tell you. Not because we don't want to but because we haven't decided yet. We want your opinion! Tell us who you would like to see join our crew on Ultimate Adventure 2013 by commenting on these 12 finalists in the "Comments" section below! And stay tuned to www.4wor.com for more updates on Ultimate Adventure 2014!

Remember, you are not voting on who will attend Ultimate Adventure. This is not a contest and the final decision is up to the 4-Wheel & Off-Road staff. We are only looking for INPUT and OPINIONS on who you would like to see join us on this trip.

Driver: Brennan MetcalfAge: 37City: Durango, ColoradoVehicle: 1942 Willys MBEngine: Buick 225 cu in.Induction: Autolite 2100 Carburetor with lots of mods.Transmission: T18, wide ratio, from a late 70s Jeep CJTransfer Case: Dana 18 in a Dana 20 case so I could use a factory T18/D20 adapter. Front Axle: Dana 30 with Spartan Locker, 5.38 gearsRear Axle: Full floating Dana 44 with Ox Locker, 5.38 gears Front Suspension: Superlift 1-inch lift REAR springs, SUA, 10-inch travel shocks, about stock heightRear Suspension: Superlift 1-inch lift rear springs, SUA, 10-inch travel shocks, about stock heightTires: 35x13.5R15 BFGoodrich Krawlers mounted on beadlock wheels. How long have you owned this vehicle: 11 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: Raised engine/trans/t-case + a new tunnel for a flat belly, 85" wheelbase, 3" frt/2" rear, raised front fenders and rear tubs, lowered seats, custom frame Belleview 6000 pound winch, 19 gallon fuel tank, 1.5" DOM cage, large piston power steering box, disc brakes at all 4 corners, flanged full float rear axle conversion, high clearance u-bolt plates, tucked exhaust system, etc.How long have you been ‘wheeling: 20+ yearsWhat four-wheeling clubs do you belong to: None. I wheel a lot with a good group of friends that I trust to get everyone out on the trail AND back home safely. I do a lot of solo stuff too. Which trails do you run: Moab mainly. Pritchett, Hells Revenge, Moab Rim, Pickle, etc.Colorado high country too. Black Bear, Ophir, Imogene, etc. Grew up wheeling in Idaho.Have you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip? Yes, by myself for most of it. Why do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure? So I don't have to drive 1000 miles up to the Rubicon trail and 1000 miles back alone like I was originally planning on doing this summer. Meet Tim Hardy, and keep him company on the road days, I probably drive about as fast. Have an epic adventure while expanding my comfort level. Not knowing where you are going till you get there adds a lot of challenge for me. A good ol' adventure with good people sounds like a most excellent idea....

Driver: Jeff IshmailAge: 40Location: Grass Valley, CAVehicle: International ScoutEngine: IH 392Induction EFI Transmission: NV4500 5-speed w/OverdriveTransfer Case: Jeep Dana 300Front Axle: Dana 44 ARB Air Locker with 5.13 GearsRear Axle: Dana 60 ARB Air Locker with 5.13 GearsFront Suspension: 52" custom leafsprings, SOA, reverse shackle, 14" dual Bilstein shocksRear Suspension: 2" lift leafsprings, SOA, 10" travel Bilstein 7100 remote reservoir shocksTires: 35x12.5x15 BFG Mud TerrainsHow long have you owned this vehicle?: 12 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: Built IH 392 Engine, Hamilton TBI Fuel Injection, Stans Headers, Comp 268 Camshaft, Aluminum Intake Manifold, NV4500 trans, Jeep Dana 300 transfer case w/4:1 gearset (115:1 low), PSC steering box/pump w/remote reservoir, Hydroboost brakes, Dutchman 35-spline rear axleshafts, Ford Motorsports rear disc brakes, air conditioning.Winch: Warn 8274How long have you been ‘wheeling?: 24 yearsWhat four-wheeling clubs do you belong to?: Nor-Cal Scouts and Sierra ScoutsWhich trails do you run?: Fordyce Trail and the infamous Rubicon TrailHave you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: YesWhy do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: I've always wanted to attend the Ultimate Adventure because I love adventure and wheeling. I love the great outdoors and I love this country so to see an area that I have not visited before would be a thrill! I get along great with others and am always willing to jump in and help anyone in need. I am a master mechanic and fabricator and own a business in Northern California that specializes in International Harvester vehicles. I feel my IH Scout well represents a large amount of readers as it is not over the top but not a P.O.S. either. As a long time reader and subscriber of 4-Wheel & Off-road magazine I have never seen an IH vehicle attend the Ultimate Adventure and think it's time one goes on this trip. As an owner of a business my schedule is very flexible and would have no problem attending this event whether it is in my own back yard or all the way on the other side of the country. My vehicle has always been very reliable and would not hesitate to take it almost anywhere. Thanks!

Driver: Jim MuellerAge: 56Location: Tacoma, WAVehicle: 1981 Jeep ScramblerEngine: GM 6.0L V8Induction: EFITransmission: 4L80ETransfer Case: Atlas 4 speedFront Axle: Spydertrax ARB Air Locker with 4.56 gears Rear Axle: Currie HP9" Spool with 4.56 gearsFront Suspension: Fox 14" 3-LinkRear Suspension: Fox 14" 4-LinkTires: 37 Krawlers TR BeadlocksHow long have you owned this vehicle?: 15 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: Beard Seats-Rugged Radio Intercom- 27Gallon Custom Fuel Tank Custom Dash by Double D Fab-Full Poison Spyder Armor-Baja Design Light bar and lights Custom made storage box with pull out drawer.Winch: Warn 8274How long have you been ‘wheeling?: 30+ yearsWhat four-wheeling clubs do you belong to?: Spanaway Moonshiners Jeep ClubWhich trails do you run?: Mostly trails in Washington and the Oregon Dunes Signed up for the 2014 EJS and I am also headed to the 2014 KOH with the JeepHave you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: NoWhy do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: Just feel that it would be the ultimate adventure to jeep another part of the Country. Meet new people who love to jeep. I would also like to bring my son Who helped me build the jeep. Also to see how the jeep could do with some of the best wheelers from around the country.

Driver: John coonesAge: 48Location: Willard UtahVehicle: 1973 Ford broncoEngine: Ford 302Induction: EFITransmission: C4Transfer Case: Stak 3 SpeedFront Axle: Dana 60 ARB Air Locker with 5.13 gearsRear Axle: Hybrid 9"/14 Bolt Detroit Locker with 5.13 gearsFront Suspension: 3 Link /Air shocksRear Suspension: 4 Link /Air shocksTires: 39" BFG KrawlersHow long have you owned this vehicle?: 26 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: 5.0 injection. STak transfer case. OBA. Premier Power Welder, PSC Pump, AGR Ram, Axles upgraded Dana 60 with Yukon Cromo shafts and joints 9" housing and nodular center with 14 bolt hubs and shafts. 23 gallon fuel cell.Winch : WarnHow long have you been ‘wheeling?: 25 yearsWhat four-wheeling clubs do you belong to?: Big Horn 4x4, Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association, Utah Bronco Club Which trails do you run?: Local 5 Mile pass, Moab, Prichett Canyon, Coyote Canyon, Area BFEHave you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: Yes, Rubicon/FordyceWhy do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: Because it is the Ultimate Adventure. I have wanted to enter for the past several years but something has always interfered. I enjoy a challenge and the UA type of outing with good people. At 48 | am trying to DO things rather than wish I had. I have a good friend that wants to co-drive, his rig is not streetable and he is an excellent spotter and mechanic.

Driver: Matt Bokan Age: 32Location: lakewood, COVehicle: 1976 International Harvester Scout IIEngine: IH 345ciInduction: Holley Pro InjectionTransmission: Torqueflight 727Transfer Case: Dana 20, with twin sticks and TeraLow 3.15:1 low range kitFront Axle: Dana 44 Spartan Locker with 4.56 gearsRear Axle: Corp 14 Bolt Detroit Locker with 4.56 gearsFront Suspension: Stock Leaf springs, SOA, with 2.0 Fox remote reservoir shocksRear Suspension: Stock Leaf springs, SOA, with 2.0 Fox remote reservoir shocksTires: 35" BFG KM2sHow long have you owned this vehicle?: 4 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: 6 point, roll cage, swag off road bins, powertank, cobra cb tools, hilift, 6" rear facing led bar, 10" and 50" front facing led bar, rigid dually d2s, rock lights, corvette brake master cylinder, MSD ignition, RCV axles, stainless steel brake lines, half doors rock sliders, and raceline beadlocksWinch: Warn HS9500iHow long have you been ‘wheeling?: 16 years (driving), been going since I was 5 (27 years)What four-wheeling clubs do you belong to?: Binder BunchWhich trails do you run?: Mt. Blanca, Holy Cross, Area BFE, Metal Masher, Prichett Canyon, Moab Rim, Golden Spike, Gold Bar, Poison Spider, Black Bear Rd, anything in Colorado or Moab Have you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: Yes, solo for my 30th Bday Why do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: For the challenge and excitement and adventure that comes from a week long wheeling trip. It is a chance to enjoy being with fellow wheelers, enjoying a week of trails and a trip of a life time. I built my Scout, by myself with some help from friends along the way. It was built to be driven to the trails, wheeled, and then driven back or on to the next trail. Runs great on the highway, wheels trails from mild to wild, and then can be driven back. I have tried to build it as bullet proof as I can, it has gone for a week of wheeling and camping with me, and all over Moab and Colorado wheeling. I have followed Ultimate Adventure since the first one, and it is the one trip that I have really wanted to go on... the week of wheeling, camping, and excitement is something I just want to do. No whiners, that is a rule that me and friends follow out here when we go. But, we also make sure that no man is left behind, everyone pitches in if someone breaks. I will be bringing a solid rig, a positive attitude, and mindset that I am here to enjoy some good camping, wheeling, and make some new friendships while I'm out on this adventure that not everyone goes on or even attempts to go on. The most fun I have had wheeling was on a week long trip I took through Colorado. Wheeling, camping, living out of my Scout for a full week. I just enjoy a good challenge, good friends, great scenery, and a chance to truly live a little. I also think it's time to get a built Scout in on Ultimate Adventure. Seems like everything else has been on it, time for one of the classics to make a showing.

Driver: Michael H. SutherlinLocation: Alamonte Springs, FLVehicle: 2005 Dodge Ram Power WagonEngine: 5.7L Hemi stroked to 6.4L Block w/NOSInduction: EFITransmission: 545RFE with 6 speed modTransfer Case: 35 output splines etcFront Axle: AAM 9.25 ARB with 4.88 gearsRear Axle: AAM 11.5 spool with 4.88 gearsFront Suspension: Mix of Carli, Kore, and King...customRear Suspension: Mix of Carli, Kore...customTires: 40” MTR’sHow long have you owned this vehicle?: 5 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: The truck was built for full expedition use.Winch: Front and rearHow long have you been wheeling?: 25 yearsWhat four-wheeling club do you belong to?: Blue Ribbon, Ocala Jeep Club, Xtreme AdventureWhich trails do you run?: Moab, Rubicon, EVERY trail on the East coast, Fordyce, KOHHave you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: YesWhy do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: I have lived out of this truck for over 3 months out west wheeling all the trails. I am a 36 year old Ex-Navy veteran. I have dreamed of doing the Ultimate Adventure since I was reading your magazine when I was 8 years old. This trip has been on my bucket list for many years. I have always wanted to be part of this event and, even more, to actually be driving and wheeling in this event. Every year I read the stories, and the chaos, and the breakage, and had always thought that I could have helped out in some way to get the fellow off-roader back on the road and safe. With my background in the Navy as a Master Welder and Mechanical Engineer, I had always felt that I could be an asset to your event to be able to swap engines (in the middle of nowhere) and repair axles laying in mud puddles (I accept IOU's) I think what you guys do every year is an amazing event and I have always dreamed about being a part of it. Please consider my application and I hope that you can help make a dream come true by allowing me to become a part of the long history of the UA event. When I was overseas reading your magazine, I told myself that if I lived through this war, I would build a truck that could do the UA and hopefully be part of the best event on US soil. God Bless.

Driver: Rodeny CooperAge: 46 Location: Dallas, GAVehicle: 1971 Chevy K5 BlazerEngine: Chevy LS 6.0L LQ4Induction: MPFI naturally aspirated, LSA exhaust manifoldsTransmission: NV4500Transfer Case: Low Max converted, twin sticked NP205Front Axle: Dana 60 ARB with 5.13 gearsRear Axle: 14 Bolt Detroit Locker with 5.13 gearsFront Suspension: Fox Coil overs with custom 4 linkRear Suspension: Captured coils with custom 4 linkTire: 42" Pit Bull Rockers with Monster valve stemsHow long have you owned this vehicle?: 15 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: some of the body is stock that is about it. 5600 CFM electric fans, aluminum radiator, Tom woods CV driveshafts, Pinion hand brake, suspension seats, remote mounted dual Optima batteries, Oasis on board air, dash mounted winch controls, auto meter gauges, custom tube bumpers, rock sliders and roll cage. 27 gal fuel tank.Winch: 12,000 LB Mile MarkerHow long have you been wheeling?: 9 yearsWhat four-wheeling club do you belong to?: GA trail riders. and just friends that are built.Which trails do you run?: Morris Mountain, Choccolocco mountain, Mayhem ORP, Superlift ORP, Upper Tellico (before the closure), Robinsville NC, Moab UT.Have you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: yes, but we cheated, stayed in a trailerWhy do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: It would be the wheeling trip of a lifetime for me, so far the biggest trip was Moab and Colorado in 2008. To have myself and my rig chosen to come along would be some serious credit also. I feel that it would be a chance to meet some new friends and wheel the heck out of my rig for a week. I have motorsports in my blood, coming up I always had dirt bikes, snowmobiles, 4DW Trucks. In 2008 on the Moab trip I looked at the map and did not think it would be feasible to stop in the ORD shop because we were traveling with another family. Much to my surprise James Watson found me, we were checking in to a campground on the crystal river near marble CO when my daughter came in to the office perplexed by the guy laying on his back on my trailer checking out my rig, it was James, he was somewhat surprised by the rig from GA loaded with parts from ORO. HE called Stephen and a few minutes later he arrived. They invited us to come and check 01 the shop, way cool. I have built most of my rig myself (except the 4 link susp) with the help that you guys have provided over the years 4WOR was my inspiration, the detailed articles and photo gave this garage wannabe enough information to be confident that I was making good decisions. I have a good wheeling buddy that is applying as well this year, Tim Welpott has an orange TJ that is built and trail tested, Tim is a great guy and has a heart of gold not to mention years of wheeling under his belt, it would be double cool to get to do the UA with him, both of our rigs are photogenic with bright colors and such. Thank you for your consideration. Rodney Cooper about the pic with the white jeep that is me on the engine pulling the plugs after a member of the Lone Star jeep club rolled over last year at Super Lift ORP.

Driver: Scott BruderAge: 48Location: Oroville, WA Vehicle: 2011 Dodge Ram Power WagonEngine: Factory 5.7L HemiInduction: EFI ( possibly supercharged by event time)Transmission: Factory automatic 5-speedTransfer Case: Factory NV271Front Axle: AAM 9.25" Factory E-Locker with 5.13 gearsRear Axle: AAM 1”1.5 Factory E-Locker with 5.13 gearsFront Suspension: 6" Progressive Long Arm with Bilstein 7100'sRear Suspension: Deaver Race Packs with Long Travel Air Bags and Bilstein 7100'sTires: Toyo 40x13.50R17 M/T's on Rock Monster's How long have you owned this vehicle?: bought it new in 2010Please list all non-stock equipment: Too muchWinch: 2 Warn 16.5ti's How long have you been wheeling?: Basically since I could driveWhat four-wheeling club do you belong to?: Northwest Overland, TLCAWhich trails do you run?: Like most I have done everything from the Rubicon to Moab and many in between. Mostly now I find new trails while out on extended adventures or weekend trips. Have you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: Yes, several times a year Why do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: My first 4x4 was a 1982 Datsun King Cab pickup my father passed down to me at 20 to take to college as a junior. I had been driving that truck since I passed my driving test and got my first taste of wheeling in that truck. Since that time I have built and run a K5 Blazer, two FJ40's, and an FJ62. All of which were well modified. Having come full circle in life and in an attempt to combine my love for extended adventures and upland bird hunting I now find myself needing the room of a full size rig. Hence my newest project. A highly modified Dodge Ram Power Wagon. Admittedly, it is not the best rig for a trip like this. However, I am "building" this rig to be the best a full size can be. One that can accommodate my love of backcountry exploration and hunting with dogs, as well as, my love of hardcore off-roading. For me the Ultimate Adventure will be the "Ultimate Test" of man and machine. If I can make through the Ultimate Adventure I know I can make it through just about anything. Including my planned 12 month North American adventure planned for my 50th year of birth in 2016.

All that said concerning the wheeling and test of skill and machine there is another equally important reason for joining the Ultimate Adventure. That is, in a word, CAMARADERIE! The chance to meet, spend time with, help, and work with other like minded individuals in the pursuit of a challenge all are passionate about is invariably appealing! It is a chance to foster new friendships! Something which is overlooked in this fast paced modern world. With the right approach and attitude an event like the Ultimate Adventure can become an invaluable and ever-lasting learning experience and memory!!

Lastly, given the opportunity, I think you will find my attitude and approach excellent. My willingness to accept all challenges, damage and possible carnage excellent. And my willingness to meet new people, make new friends, and work for the greater cause helpful!

Driver: Shaughn ReidAge: 43Location: Stuart, FLVehicle: 1975 Chevy BlazerEngine: Chevy 402Induction: EFITransmission: Built TH350Transfer Case: NP205Front Axle: Dana 60 ARB with 4.88 gears Rear Axle: Corporate 14 bolt ARB with 4.88 gearsFront Suspension: Sloppy Leafs and Fox shocksRear Suspension: Slightly less sloppy leafs and Fox shocksTires: BFG 42" KM2How long have you owned this vehicle?: 18 yearsPlease list all non-stock equipment: Fiberglass fenders, hood, 1/4's and dash, softopper, snorkle, gas tank skid, t-case skid, x-over steering with PSC ram, seats, harness's, good 'cage, bumpers, and sliders. My CB and spill kits are on the way! Good d-shafts, and axles, 4 wheel disc, hydroboosted. 300 mile range.Winch: M12000How long have you been wheeling?: 18 yearsWhat four-wheeling club do you belong to?: CORVAWhich trails do you run?: Glamis, Dumont, The Cinders, Beaumont, etc.Have you ever been on a week-long ‘wheeling trip?: Yep! but not on purpose ;)Why do you want to go on the Ultimate Adventure?: It says it all in the title. A bunch of experienced wheelers together, to run some awesome trails, see new stuff, hear good stories, and make friends, all while testing and proving your rig is an all around performer! You could call it "hardcore overlanding", but wearing jeans instead of khakis… I don't know where this trip is going to be, but I've been across most of this country in an RV and I can't imagine "bad" wheeling. It's the side trips that you take that peak my interest as well. It's neat to drive over an old bridge, but way cooler to learn it's history and why it was built. I'm sort of dorky like that. I built this rig myself over the last 18 years with the help of some awesome buddies. We all started small, so we know what it's like to overcome obstacles, mechanical, physical, and mental. That's why we're the first ones to lend a hand, hook a strap, give a part, or toss a hot nut in your sock.

I met Verne and Trent at TDS last weekend, and it's those guys who convinced me to send this in. They said I'd be suprised how few honest entries you get. Sort of like asking the pretty girl on a date. Everyone wants to, but thinks they don't have a shot at it. Well, how about it. Wanna go to prom? Please?